Dudukuhan Tree Farming Systems in West Java: How to Mobilize Self-Strengthening of Community-Based Forest Management? - Smallholder Tree Growing for Rural Development and Environmental Services - page 99

4.3.2 Farmers' Perceptions of the Selection and Uses of Tree Species

Farmer respondents recognized 14 sub-variables as relevant to tree species selec-
tion: (a) biomass production, (b) tree shading, (c) roots system, (d) fast growth and
fruiting, (e) tree use value, (f) pests-diseases, (g) dudukuhan size, (h) slope, (i) soil
type and fertility, (j) elevation, (k) weather and rainfall, (l) marketing opportunities,
(m) land tenure statue, and (n) government policy. They recognized eight sub-variables
as relevant to tree use, the species value for: (a) food, (b) income, (c) fuelwood,
(d) construction, (e) fodder, (f) medicine and (g) erosion control.
Figure 4.2 illustrates farmers' perceptions regarding tree selection in each vil-
lage. Tree use value, marketing opportunities and land tenure status are the main
factors (very important rank) that influence tree species selection in all villages.
Fast growth and fruiting, a lack of pest-disease problems, and garden size are very
important or important factors in at least two of the three villages. Tree root system
structure (competition for water and nutrients) is considered by farmers in one vil-
lage, who commented that certain fruit and timber species should not be planted
near each other. Government policy is considered very important in one village
because the government charges fees on the production of certain timber species
(i.e. Pinus merkusii ). The slope and soil characteristics of the site are of medium
importance, particularly when soil erosion is a concern. Elevation, rainfall, biomass
production and shading characteristics are of least importance in species selection
for dudukuhans.
Figure 4.3 illustrates farmers' perceptions on tree uses. Their main reasons for
trees being cultivated in dudukuhan systems is for income generation and food
production (fruit species). The production of construction material is an important
to medium priority for selecting both timber and fruit species. Erosion control is a
medium consideration for species selection in the rainy and steep study area.

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Parakan Muncang
Curug Bitung
Cisarua

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Tree characteristics

Landscapes & Weather Socio-economics

Fig. 4.2 Ranking of farmers' criteria for tree species selection